I wore a white shirt and just casual pants and sneakers.

Khun No has been bothering me, asking if I am meeting Khun Vegas but when I told him that it is just a new friend, he didn’t ask for more.

Meanwhile, I just shut my phone so that I will not receive any calls.

“You arrived on time.” Phi White said as he smile at me.

I saw him wearing a polo, he much more like so decent unlike what I am wearing today.

Why does he look like a teacher with his outfit? He gives the aura of someone that is friendly to children and would be everybody’s crush in their workplace.

“Why are we here Phi White?” I ask.

I saw him look around the mall probably checking it out.

“Actually I’ve been here for two years and I’m still not use to it.” He suddenly told me. “I also do not have lots of friends.”

Phi White scratches the back of his neck, probably shy with what he just said.

“Really? How many years have you been working for Khun Ja?” I ask.

I only saw Khun Ja for not even more than a minute but I know that he looks cool and normal. He also does not misbehave unlike the entrance of Khun Gray who Porsche hates because of his teasing.

“Just a year.”

We both talk about his job as we walk, searching to every corners of the mall. He said that he will be buying some new clothes for him and would like to go around after receiving a two days of rest.

“Is working with Khun Ja stressing?” I ask him as we enter a shop that sells clothes.

I started the conversation, distracting myself from Khun Vegas’s sudden behavior a while ago.

“Not really. He just do his business and would have his alone time.”

“An introvert.” I whispered that made him laugh.

While he is checking the brands of the clothes he continues to speak. “Not really an introvert but his mind is too occupied by someone.”

When I heard him say the word someone, the first thing that came into my mind is an enemy. Of course, that’s the only thing you can think of in this kind of world we are living.

“Does he have lots of enemies?”

I wonder who have more, him or Khun Korn.

“That’s not what I mean.” Phi White then faces me, trying to take a look at the shirt. “He is waiting for someone to comeback.”

“A friend?”

“Lover,” he shortly answered and then proceeds to take a look on the various colors of shirts.

Really?

“Did his lover meet someone new?”

I apologize Khun Ja if we are gossiping about you. May you forgive us.

I watch Phi White breath heavily as if it is that tragic to say. “Probably and the person he is waiting will never return.”

Love is everybody’s weakness. I have heard that Khun Ja is influential, member of the Red Empire and one of the trio. There is Khun Gray whom I saw once with his weird and mischievous smile and there is also one person who I never had a chance to meet- his name is Khun Pat.

Khun Ja is known to be minding his own business, doing what everybody is supposed to do but a little bit intimidating. Khun Gray on the other hand is just unpredictable, nosy but secretive at the same time. He is like the type of person who will say that it is not his business but will try to stalk anyone.

While Khun Pat, they just say that he have his own life and would rarely mess with people. He probably has the best life since he never associates himself that much and will only do good things for his business.

Among the three, I think it will be the best if I can hang out with Khun Pat. There are no rumors about him being problematic at all.

When I was talking with Phi White, I kept on checking my phone. Even though it turns it into silent mode, I can still see the notification. Khun Vegas has been calling me the whole time.

“Why are you behaving like this?” I ask as I stare at the screen. “You don’t really have to be concern about me. Why are you being too caring all of a sudden?”

It is confusing me. A part of me is getting flabbergasted with the sudden attention he is giving me, the surprise gifts, notes and he even knows the small details about me. I must admit, I am stunned with that kind of treatment.

I remember him walking pass by, without taking a second look on me. He also talks at me like how he talks to other bodyguards. And one day, he just woke up as if he was in delight that he saw my face. I don’t get it when all of a sudden; I became the center of his attention.

I saw that he is calling me again yet I refuse to answer.

Another side of me is getting mad and irritated. If he is targeting me to get his away again to mess with the Main Family then he will never find something from me. If he wanted to mess with Khun No or any of them, he doesn’t need to use me.

The people in the Main Family usually say that Khun Vegas’s type is Porsche and they told me that several times. They reminded me that I might just be a rebound since he failed miserably to get Porsche.

“Stop using me will you?” I whispered.

“Is there anything wrong, Nong Pete?”

I place my phone on my pocket and shake my head. “Where do you want to go next, Phi White? I might help you.”

I tried my best to smile, easing the mixed emotions I am feelings right now. Maybe I should focus on helping Phi White with his needs and give him a tour.

“I found a place where we can eat.”

Finally! Finally there is food! I thought I am going to die due to starvation.

“Where Phi White?” I look around. There are lots of fast food chains and food stalls here inside the mall.

I am secretly praying that it will be something spicy and not some food with salad and cheese. I don’t know, my taste buds is probably not into foods with butter and healthy. I even prefer unhealthy foods or sometimes, foods that are bad in our intestines taste better.

“Actually it’s a restaurant almost five minutes away from here. I had a reservation.”

So you are prepared? Who am I to reject, right? He will be treating me a meal, it will be rude if I say no.

“It’s fine with me, Phi White.”

We both headed on the parking lot which is in the VIP. The moment we arrived, I halted as the eerie atmosphere and silence in this part doesn’t seem right.

Phi White continued to walk but my eyes scans the whole area of the parking lot. No one is here but my instinct is definitely telling me not to take another step forward.

“Let’s go.” Phi White smiled and invited me to go to his direction.

No. I am not dumb to know that there is something wrong. Being the head bodyguard of the Main Family means that our body should always be alert in any danger. It doesn’t matter if the place is crowded or not. We are trained to be wary of our surroundings.

“I don’t think we should continue, Phi White.”

I saw him smile as if it doesn’t bother him. He is Khun Ja’s subordinate and likely has the same position as P’Chan. He should also be able to feel what I am feeling right now. Is he even trained?

“Why?” he asked but with a teasing tone. “Come here, Nong Pete so we can eat something. I know that you’re hungry.”

I pick up my phone and saw the notification once again.

Pete! Answer your phone!

Where are you?

Call me if something happen!

All of those are from Khun Vegas. Is he aware that something bad will really happen?

When I take a second look on Phi White that is when I confirmed that I have to leave. I don’t care if I will be ditching him as my instinct has warned me about the incoming danger.

Phi White walks towards my direction but another one caught my attention, I can clearly hear footsteps at my back coming from the corners of his parking lot.

“Fuck!” I cursed when there are three men approaching me.

My reflexes are good that I can dodge the punch the other guy did. I use my arms, attacking them and at the same time defending myself. I didn’t bring anything. Why did I even forget to sneak knives?

I grab the guy’s legs, twisted it and throw him in the air. It is not yet over, another one was holding a knife that I have to take a step back, held his shoulders and hit it with my knee. I keep the pressure in his hands in order for him to let go of the knife.

While I was into that, I raise my leg, kicking the other guy who was about to punch me again. Catching my breath, I looked at Phi White and saw him standing there, watching me fighting.

His eyes are sparkling and he is smiling as if he has sense the victory.

What did I do to you? What is your problem?

“What do you need?” I ask as I make sure that the other goons will not have a chance to take a lead of this game.

Five men entered the scene but this time, they are taller and bigger than me, with their whole body filled with tattoos and seem to be ready to crush me in no time.

.

I drop my phone on the floor and what I saw was Khun Vegas’s last message.

Call me if you need me.

My attention shifted when a strong force just landed on my face, making me fell on the floor. I spat the blood on the mouth. When I was about to stand up, someone kicked my stomach that I throw up blood once again.

Having a few seconds, I manage to stand up once again. They are literally blocking the way so the only way I can pass by is to defeat them.

“What do you need from me?!” I shouted and keep my pace in avoiding and attacking at the same time.

“Someone wants to meet you, Nong Pete.” Phi White answers that made me loss my concentration in fighting this men.

Someone? Khun Ja? What does he want? There is neither single time I became involve with his business nor Khun No whom I’m working for.

Damn. I groan when the man grab my arms and strongly pushes me on the floor that I can feel my elbow hurting as hell. I scrunch, trying my best to ignore the pain. However, they didn’t give me a chance. Someone kicked my face making me close my eyes.

Another guy held both of my legs stopping me to move as the other one continues to throw a punch on me.

“That’s enough. He said that we should take him but not to kill him.” I heard Phi White told the goons.

What did I even do to deserve this?

Everybody is just being so unfair.

I tried to look up and found Phi White bending over and the next thing I knew, he placed a handkerchief to cover my nose. That fucking weird smell!

I tried my best to move, kicking and moving my arms but they are all holding them. I can’t pass out!

And I remember… Khun

I slowly open my eyes, trying to adjust with the bright light and the moment I tried to move my body that is when the pain starts to kick in.

“He’s awake, he’s awake.”

“Good thing he is alive.”

When I fully opened my eyes, I close it once again when Khun No went on my direction and hug me especially my face.

“Khun No…ouch…ouch…” I push him a little.

He just hugs my face even though my jaw and cheeks are in pain. I watch Pol pulling Khun No away that I wanted to thank him with all my heart.

My face is in pain, few plasters near my lips, arms and legs also have bruises.

“I thought I’m going to die.” I said in relief.

Arm laughs at me and helps me adjust to sit on the bed. “I don’t think Khun Vegas will let it happen.”

“Damn! He behaves like Pete’s husband! When did he even became that close to you?!” Khun No complained rolling his eyes as he fixes his newly bleached auburn colored hair.

“Khun Vegas?”

“Khun Vegas came here at the mansion almost breaking the gate.” Arm started to tell me the story. “He told us that you will be in danger that’s why we follow him to find you.”

Khun Vegas has warned me several times yet I refuse to listen. I always think that he might be having bad intention towards me and just pretending that he really cares. Now, I feel sorry.

“That Phi White is also bad, huh?” Pol asks as he hugs Khun No, stopping him to talk.

“Speaking of, what happen to him?”

“He disappears! Stop trusting that bastard!” Khun No yelled.

I am still puzzle with his intention towards me. I am also questioning what he just said that someone wants to meet me. I have never associates myself with people that are the same level as Khun Kinn or Khun Ja.

If I am going to have an enemy then it will be bodyguards from different family’s or gang members.

“Here.” Porsche entered with Khun Kinn and handed me a pill. “Good thing that the bastard Vegas came on time and you’re not taken.”

“At least, thank him.” Khun Kinn added.

“Where is he?” I ask since he isn’t here.

“He is talking to Pa and Khun Ja,” Khun Kim enters with his usual deadpan face and tries to examine me. “You’re still doing fine, you just pass out.”

When they all went back on their personal business, I also try to walk around the mansion. I might be stubborn but I also wanted to say thank you to Khun Vegas. I didn’t ask for anyone’s assistance as I can handle the pain from my bruises.

I don’t know. The pain I feel in my body isn’t that painful. Actually, it feels really weird. Everytime the spots in my body where I receive few punches and kicks starts to be painful, there is a weird satisfaction in it.

Damn it. Maybe the training has made me into this.

I stop by in front the office of Khun Korn. The door is open that it is easy to hear their conversation. I was about to knock yet I heard Khun Vegas’s voice in madness.

“White is from your group yet you’re saying that you don’t know anything? What a bullshit.”

I can only see his back but what I saw was Khun Korn’s worried expression probably with the sudden behavior of Khun Vegas.

“I didn’t order White to mess with the head bodyguard and I am not interested with him.” Khun Ja explained still calm but there is already a hint of disturbance in his tone.

“Are you sure that you don’t know anything about Pete?”

Why is about me? Khun Ja has nothing to do about me.

“I don’t have any idea about who he is and I don’t have any plan to mess with him.”

“Then who ordered your subordinate to get Pete?” Khun Korn ask.

“That is what I don’t have any idea about. My bodyguards said that White didn’t come back to the mansion and probably left. I am still trying to find out.”

“Stop with your fuckery.” Khun Vegas said, still unconvinced with what Khun Ja told them.

Damn. Khun Ja is definitely way much older than him yet he manage to curse at him.

“Pete is Pam’s son.”

I froze when I heard that from Khun Korn’s mouth. What… is he referring about my real mother?

“What?” The way Khun Ja ask was also the same with what I wanted to do. “Pam’s son?”

“Why did you tell him?” It was Khun Vegas this time as if he is hiding it.

After all this time… Khun Korn and Khun Vegas are aware of my mother? They are both aware of my identity and who gave birth to me?

“I know that you have a history with Pete’s mother, Ja.” Khun Korn spoke in his monotone voice. “He is Pam’s son.”

I didn’t listen any longer and went to the garden. I tried to take a breath of fresh air, hoping that it will clear my mind.

First, Khun Vegas has been showing some weird concern towards me. Second, he and Khun Korn knows about my mother and third, there is a chance that my mother has connection to Khun Ja.

I don’t usually get mad but this is upsetting. Why everybody does seems to know about my life but I am here, living yet clueless?

Are they playing hide and seek with me? What did I do to receive this kind of treatment when I did nothing wrong to them? Why do I feel like they are playing with me?

“Pete.”

I look at Khun Vegas and watch him slowly went near me. I am not in the mood to greet him like I use to do. It angers me to know that he has an idea about my life even before.

“You heard something, right?” His face shows concern but I don’t think I should believe him.

“You know about my mother?”

I stare at him, hoping for a clear answer.

“You know her name and you are also aware about his connection to Khun Ja?”

Why do I have no idea about my parents and their past? And these people who are not even sharing the same blood as mine seem to know everything?

“When did you know about it?”

“Long time ago.”

I feel the dismay after hearing that.

Khun Vegas tried to reach out for me but I take a step backward, avoiding him.

“Tell me Khun Vegas, why are you messing with me?”

“I am not.” He protested. “Listen to me, Pete. I just want to protect you.”

“Why?” I raise my voice. “Let me be honest, Khun Vegas. You can stop faking your concern towards me. If you want to blackmail me with my family history then stop wasting your time. Stop using me to have your way in ruining the Main Family.”

“I am not messing with you!” I saw how his calm face turns into something gloomy but his eyes are filled with worry. “I care, Pete. I care about you.”

“Why? Your actions has left me sleepless for the past few days.” I told him with all honesty. “Why are you acting like you like me?”

My mind refuse to believe that there will be a slightest chance that he will like me. They warned me about him and I always remember that he might use me as a rebound, a dummy and will treat me as a prey.

“Because I do!”

I couldn’t even believe what he just said.

“You… what?”